Rural Asset Manager in Kendal

As retained recruiters working with the Lake District National Park Authority, Beach Baker are supporting them in the appointment of a Rural Asset Manager — a rare opportunity to take a leadership role within one of the UK’s most iconic protected landscapes. This position offers the chance to shape the future of the Lake District’s rural estate (“the green estate”), delivering major outcomes across nature recovery, climate resilience, cultural heritage and land stewardship.

The Authority manages a nationally significant portfolio of land, property and natural assets, operating within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They’re seeking an accomplished professional who can bring strong rural surveying, valuation and asset management expertise to lead the direction of their estate. This is a role with both strategic influence and operational oversight — ideal for someone who thrives in a purpose‑driven environment and wants their work to have lasting public impact.

In this position, you will:

• Lead and implement the Property Asset Management Strategy (PAMS) to ensure the estate delivers environmental, cultural and financial value.
• Manage a team of up to five direct reports, fostering a collaborative, high‑performing culture.
• Oversee landlord and tenant matters, common land management, and specialist assets such as dams, trails, and legacy mining infrastructure.
• Act as the Authority’s lead professional valuer, including responsibility for annual CIPFA valuation requirements.
• Develop and support investment and nature recovery schemes across the green estate, securing external and grant funding (including agri‑environment and nature‑based finance).
• Work closely with the Ranger Service and other departments to provide a joined‑up estate management function.

This is a highly varied portfolio with a balance of strategic influence, operational responsibility and people leadership.

We’d like to speak with professionals who bring:

• Chartered Surveyor (RICS) status or working towards it; Registered Valuer preferred.
• Significant experience in rural estate management, including landlord/tenant engagement and valuation of rural and natural capital assets.
• Proven leadership capability — managing teams, setting direction, and driving performance.
• Strong project and budget management experience, including experience with external funding or grant schemes.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.

This role would suit someone who can think commercially while balancing financial outcomes with environmental and community benefits.

The Authority offers a collaborative, supportive culture; staff know each other well and work effectively across teams. They operate a hybrid working model, with flexibility supported by a secure digital environment.

Benefits include:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Electric car & Cycle to Work schemes
• Subsidised healthcare
• Paid volunteering leave
• Free staff parking
• Strong organisational commitment to wellbeing

If you have experience at senior surveyor, estate manager or rural asset management level and are looking for a meaningful leadership role, we’d be pleased to have a confidential conversation. To discuss the role, express interest, or request the full briefing pack, please get in touch. All third party and direct applications will be forwarded to Beach Baker Recruitment for review.